Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Egypt with our Traditional Delight Egyptian Moussaka (Mesqa'a)! This classic Egyptian dish is a comforting blend of eggplants, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, creating a vegetarian delight that's both hearty and flavorful. It's a staple in Egyptian cuisine, loved for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
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Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields 6 servings
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
- Eggplants, sliced into rounds - 3 medium
- Tomatoes, diced - 4 large
- Garlic cloves, minced - 4
- Onion, finely chopped - 1 large
- Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil - ¼ cup
- Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped - for garnish
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes are soft.
- Season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate pan, lightly fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides.
- In a baking dish, layer the fried eggplant slices and the tomato sauce alternately, starting and ending with a layer of sauce.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to slightly brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes before frying to remove bitterness.
- You can add bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add ground beef or lamb to the tomato sauce.
- Serve with rice or fresh bread for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Moussaka ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Egyptian Moussaka?
Yes, it freezes well. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Your Traditional Delight Egyptian Moussaka (Mesqa'a) is ready to transport you to the bustling streets of Cairo. This dish, with its layers of flavor and comforting warmth, is a true testament to the rich culinary traditions of Egypt. Gather around the table, share this heartwarming dish, and enjoy a taste of Egyptian hospitality!